I’ve fulfilled Tinubu’s mandate, says Ibas as Rivers emergency rule nears expiration

Ibok-Ete Ibas, sole administrator of Rivers, says he has fulfilled President Bola Tinubu’s mandate by returning the state to “full democratic governance”.

Ibas spoke on Friday at the government house in Port Harcourt during the presentation of a report on the LGA elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

On August 30, RSIEC conducted elections in 23 LGAs amid controversy over the legality of the sole administrator to oversee the democratic process.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) won the chairmanship seats in 20 LGAs, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won three LGAs.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the sole administrator said the conduct of the polls shows that the president’s mandate has been “sufficiently achieved”.

Ibas said his administration would review the RSIEC report and issue an official government white paper.

“Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear: to stabilise the state, create an enabling environment for the re-establishment of its institutions, and return Rivers State back to full democratic governance,” Ibas was quoted in a statement signed by Hector Igbikiowubo, his media aide.

“With the successful conduct and swearing-in of local government chairmen and their councils, I believe we have decisively achieved the mandate that we were given.”

Mike Odey, chairman of RSIEC, said the report contains the full account of the LGA elections.

“The report highlights our modest achievements, our challenges, and provides key recommendations that will strengthen the future,” he said.

Odey commended the people of the state for their peaceful participation in the polls.

On March 18, Tinubu declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state in the wake of a political crisis.

He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for six months.

The president subsequently appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the sole administrator of the state.

The emergency rule is expected to end on Thursday, September 18.